By Greg Pak (Writer) and Carmine Di Giandomenico (Pencils)
The Story: Magneto and his family barely survive the Polish countryside by seeking refuge in Warsaw, where they end up as prisoners of the city’s infamous ghetto. The Germans escalate their violence against the Jews and their true intentions become increasingly more transparent. Faced with little options, Magneto and his family sneak out of the Warsaw Ghetto, hoping for safety and shelter. Unfortunately, they find neither. Magneto’s mutant power remains untapped and his unrealized potential to “save the day” is a continuous haunting frustration that is effective in capturing the pity, anger, desperation, and sadness that pervades this book.
What’s Good: Pak lets historical events tell this story, which allows Magneto to be a passive but effective character. Pak shows a few key details about Magneto’s personality, such as his selflessness, his ability to lead, and his courageousness– characteristics that fit in with the Magneto that Marvel readers have gotten to know over the past few decades. The art is solid and has an indie feel to it. The coloring revolves between pale and hopeless to dark and terrorizing.
What’s-Not-So-Good: I understand that this book has a pedagogical aspect to it, but it goes a little overboard when text boxes full of facts, numbers, and dates appear. I think the encyclopedic side of the Holocaust would be better served if it were reserved for a page at the end of the story. Besides, the story is so powerful, educational, and realistic even without the cold, dry facts.
Conclusion: I am a big proponent of comics teaching and tackling real issues. So I am enthusiastic of Marvel addressing the Holocaust, or the Shoa, especially as it recedes into the annals of modern memory. The fact that this is a great read with great art even makes the case even stronger. Additionally, this series will bring some added depth to Magneto that hasn’t been present in this specific regard, since the “God Loves, Man Kills” arc in the 80’s.
Grade: A
- Rob Galinsky
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Carmine Di Giandomenico, Greg Pak, Holocaust, Magneto, Marvel, Marvel Knights, X-Men, X-Men, X-Men: Magneto Testament, X-Men: Magneto Testament #3
